Belleville to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with music festival, parade
Belleville is celebrating America’s 250th birthday with an outdoor music festival and patriotic parade next weekend.
Freedom Fest will feature nine performances on June 26-27, including country music by the St. Louis band Shotgun Creek on Friday night and classic rock by the Illinois band Head East on Saturday night.
Proceeds will benefit Freedom Fest Inc., a Belleville-based, nonprofit organization that formed in October.
“We’re doing this to help military veterans and first responders in need,” said co-founder Barry Gregory, a retired deputy sheriff in Missouri and former owner of Crehan’s Irish Pub in Belleville.
Gregory said the organization could help people who aren’t eligible for funds from The Backstoppers, which provides financial assistance to “fallen and catastrophically injured public safety officials.”
This year, Freedom Fest proceeds will benefit the Honor Flight Network, which honors veterans by paying for plane and bus trips that allow them to visit war memorials in Washington, D.C.
“It’s a great cause,” said Mayor Jenny Gain Meyer. “It’s a way to give back to our veterans and first responders.”
The festival is being co-sponsored by the city, which is allowing it to be held on the soccer field of the city-owned Southwestern Illinois Justice & Development Campus, also known as The Campus, formerly Lindenwood University and Belleville West High School.
Organizers originally had hoped to use the football field, but it was going to cost too much to protect the artificial turf from possible damage by a stage and seating, according to Gregory.
“People should bring their lawn chairs and blankets,” he said.
Freedom Fest will take place from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, June 26, with music beginning at 6. Performers leading up to Shotgun Creek include Ainad Shrine Drum & Bugle Corps, Dale LaRose and Boulderdash.
Day 2 festivities begin with parade
The Liberty and Legacy Parade will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 27, in the 500 block of West Main Street and go west to the 2300 block. City officials arranged for it to end at The Campus in hopes that people will stay and enjoy music and food afterward.
A letter from Meyer announcing the parade and the entry form for units emphasized that the parade will be non-political with only current elected officials marching and no campaigning allowed.
Officials encourage residents to line the parade route wearing red, white and blue clothing and otherwise showing their patriotism.
“(The parade will be) a heartfelt tribute to the courage, unity, and enduring spirit that have shaped our country since its founding,” Meyer wrote. “This historic celebration offers our community a moment to reflect on the freedoms we cherish and the legacy we continue to build together.”
Freedom Fest will take place from about 1 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 27, with music beginning at 2. Performers leading up to Head East include Aragon, House Shakers, Ainad Shrine Drum & Bugle Corps and Repeat Offenders.
Gregory, 73, hatched the festival idea with Ryan Rothweiler, 44, a disabled veteran who served in the U.S. Navy. They met last year at a car show at Silver Creek Sports & Social in Belleville.
Organizers landed Budweiser (through Grey Eagle Distributing), the city of Belleville and Cardinal Buick GMC as major sponsors and persuaded some bands to perform at no charge or discounted rates.
“Being from this area, Head East was able to jump in and lend their support,” Gregory said of Saturday night’s headliner.
The rock band formed in 1969 with members from southern Illinois who played their first gig in Carbondale, according to its website. Their first album, “Flat as a Pancake,” became certified gold in 1978 with the hit singles “Never Been Any Reason” and “Love Me Tonight.”
Friday night’s headliner, Shotgun Creek, is described in promotional materials as the “hottest new country group.” It’s based in St. Louis.
Festival tickets cost $30 a day or $55 for a weekend pass through Sunday, June 21, then prices go up to $40 and $65. They can be purchased online through Ticketsauce for a fee or at the door.
Those without internet access can contact Gregory at 618-616-0338 or barry_gregory@yahoo.com or Rothweiler at 618-444-3000 or rlr1116@gmail.com, and they will make arrangements to distribute tickets. Admission is free for active or retired military personnel with identification.
Three restaurants and three food trucks will sell food at the festival. Beer also will be available. There’s a fee for VIP parking in front, but not for handicapped or regular parking.
“There’s plenty of parking,” Rothweiler said. “The lots around The Campus will be open, and that parking is free.”
Freedom Fest Inc. is guided by a five-member board of directors. This year’s festival also is being organized by the Ainad Legion of Honor and the Belleville Gear Jammers car club.
Board members have contemplated turning the festival into an annual event, but they haven’t made a final decision.
“It depends how this one goes,” Gregory said.
